Photograph: Apple
Apple might go all-in on USB-C with its upcoming M4 Mac mini. As part of the machine’s main design revamp, the corporate would possibly ditch USB-A ports for good.
The Cupertino firm ought to unveil the M4 Mac mini later this yr.
USB-C all of the issues!
Apple’s Mac mini lineup final obtained a significant design revamp in 2010. The Apple silicon transition in late 2020 with the M1 Mac mini freed up appreciable inside area. But, Apple caught to the identical design.
Reviews recommend the Mac mini might lastly get a brand new design this yr. The revamp will make the general machine a lot smaller, about the identical measurement as an Apple TV. The smaller dimensions made many fear that Apple would possibly cut back the variety of USB and I/O ports on the upcoming mini. Fortunately, that’s not going to occur.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, within the newest Energy On version, claims the brand new Mac mini will sport 5 USB-C ports. Just like the Mac Studio, it is going to home three ports on the again and two on the entrance for simple entry. It would additionally sport an Ethernet port, an HDMI connector, and a headphone jack. Nonetheless, Apple will ditch the USB-A ports completely as part of the improve.
Apple might comply with the identical technique with a future Mac Studio, ditching the USB-A ports completely.
This may solely apply to Mac mini fashions configured with M4 Professional. The M4 variant will possible ship with fewer USB-C ports.
M4 Mac mini may not launch earlier than October
The report additional sheds mild on the M4 Mac mini’s availability. Apparently, Apple suppliers will begin delivery the M4 mannequin in September, however the M4 Professional configuration received’t begin delivery till October.
This means the M4 Mac mini refresh is unlikely to go official earlier than late October. The M4-powered MacBook Execs must also debut across the similar time.